Though I rarely actually get to sit down in the run of a day, being active is something I’m always working on, specifically incorporating it into everyday life. Be healthy for myself, and for the family. Have more energy to do 20 reps of “Grand Old Duke of York” with a 25-lb. kid who doesn’t tire of said game.

It’s not easy in the winter, though. A few things can sabotage one’s efforts:

– Insanely cold temperatures that limit outdoor activity to pulling muscles while ripping off a kid’s coat and chucking him in the car seat as fast as possible

-Insanely cold temperatures and early darkness that tip the scales in favour of wrapping up like a burrito on the couch instead of, say, taking a bike ride to the playground

Myself, each week I try to fit in a few 20-minute sessions on our elliptical machine in the evening, while the kids have some dad-and-sons time upstairs. Perfect.

In theory.

Aw. They just love their Mama so much. So much! And I love them too! If they’d just give me a few measly minutes to do some arm blasts, they could see some better hugs and higher-quality airplane rides the rest of the day instead of a mom sprawled bone-tired on the living room floor (although that can be fun for driving dinkies on…).

Well, anyway, it’s more fun when physical activity is done as a family. Include the kids in on the fun! So, how about going to an indoor playgym (that doesn’t have one of those lame age limits or “no adults on the trampolines” rules)?

Disclaimer: You will likely end up with one of the above-mentioned “sick every week” sicknesses afterward.

What about at home? How about a dance party, or maybe do some family yoga. The kids love doing yoga with me. Ever tried yoga with a toddler? I recommend it. Here are some basic poses to get you started.

I am a lifelong (award-winning!) cartoonist and mother of two delightful boys, aged 7 and 5. I like to view today's adventures in parenting as material for tomorrow's cartoon. Looking at family life through "cartoon-coloured glasses" helps me keep the all-important sense of humour required for raising kids... even for the events that don't seem so funny at the time.